Apple Has Launched The First New Version Of Its MacBook Pro

Apple just announced a long awaited update to its MacBook Pro laptops at an event in San Francisco. But the wait produced some innovative features as the Apple works on its less is more design. The laptops, both 13-inch and 15-inch, feature USB-C ports and multi-touch ‘Touch Bar’, a Retina display, a versatile strip display that replaces the escape, function keys and power keys of a regular QWERTY keyboard.

MacBook Pro Design:

According to the company, it’s the thinnest and lightest version of the Macbook Pro to date, with the 13-inch version of the laptop measuring in at 14.9mm thick, making it 13 % thinner than the Air. The 15-inch version of the notebook weighs in at four pounds and the smallest 13-inch version comes in at three pounds.

MacBook Pro Features:

Inside you’ll find Intel Core i5 and i7 chips cooled by a thermal architecture that promises to be quieter and lessen system overheating — both issues found in previous versions of the laptop. According to the company, the graphic performance has been improved, with speeds up to 130 percent faster than the last model (that is the 15-inch again).

Outside, you’ll find four Thunderbolt 3 ports, all of which can be used to charge system (so long, MagSafe). Using adapters, they can also double as USB, DisplayPort, VGA or HDMI — so, get ready to pack some extra cables. And if you want to go crazy, you can use the 15-inch version to run two 5K displays side by side. And yes, headphone jack is still there, no adapter required (for now).

MacBook Pro Keyboard & TouchPad:

The trackpad is now double the size of the latest version and includes the Force Touch feature included on the standard MacBook. The keyboard has been updated, too, to include the ‘butterfly’ keyboard switch mechanism also seen on the most recent MacBook.

The Touch Bar also features a Touch ID sensor for logging into the machine and authorizing Apple Pay payments. The Touch ID sensor is required Apple to build a new chip, called the T1, to act as a secure enclave for the sensor.

MacBook Pro Price:

The new Pro is available for order now. It’s priced at $1,499 (US) for the 13-inch version with standard function key version and $1,799 (US) for the version with Touch Bar. $2,399 (US), meanwhile, will get you the 15-inch version. The entry-level starts shipping; the others will follow in two to three weeks.